Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium
Bacillus anthracis. It can occur in humans when they have been exposed to contaminated animals or tissue from these animals.

Anthrax is mostly found in South and Central America, Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. It has even been found in wild livestock in the United States, although it is rare. It is mostly found in agricultural areas of these regions.

The bacteria can be transmitted to humans through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. The bacteria can infect a human who breathes in spores from a contaminated animal, touches one of these animals (alive or dead), or eats undercooked meat from them.